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13 Ways to Collect Water When the Taps Run Dry.
Most of us take running water for granted—until the day it stops. Natural disasters, earthquakes, infrastructure failures, and even acts of war can interrupt water supplies without warning.
In many parts of the world, extended megadroughts and contamination events leave entire communities scrambling for clean water. That's why stockpiling emergency water is so important. But what if your emergency water supply runs out? What if the shelves are empty, and the taps are bone dry?
In this article, you'll learn some unconventional ways to find and collect water—in your home, in your backyard, and even in the wild. Whether you're dealing with a short-term outage or a long-term crisis, these water collection methods could mean the difference between life and death.
In The home
1. Hot Water Heater
Depending on your tank’s size, you may have 20 to 80 gallons of water stored there. In order to access it safely, you’ll need to know whether it is gas- or electric-powered and follow the instructions for your particular model.
The critical first step is to turn off the power supply and shut off the water. Here is a video that goes over the basics for draining the water.
2. Toilet Flush Tank
You may have three to five gallons of water in your toilet flush tank. You can drink this water, but be sure to purify it first as it could have contaminants from the sewer. It’s not recommended to drink the water in the toilet bowl—even if it was recently flushed—since it may be contaminated by residual bacteria.
3. Household Pipes
You can use the force of gravity to drain water that is in your home’s plumbing system even after the main supply flow has stopped.
Turn on the highest water faucet in your house to introduce air into the pipe. Place a container beneath the lowest faucet in the home. Turn on that faucet to drain out the water.
If you live in a one-story home, you may find that the highest faucet is your shower head and a hose spigot is your lowest. The water valve may be in a common area if you live in an apartment or condominium. The amount of available water will depend on your home’s location and how many other people are draining the pipes.
4. Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
These appliances pull moisture from the air, and that water typically drains into a collection tray or hose. While it’s not potable right out of the unit, it can be used for sanitation or filtered and purified for drinking in a pinch. Dehumidifiers especially can collect a surprising amount of water in humid conditions—sometimes several liters per day.
Outside the home
You also can find emergency water sources outside your home. These sources are more susceptible to contamination and should be treated by boiling, adding disinfectants, or using a filter.
5. Rainwater
Collecting rainwater can run the gamut from using a simple rain barrel to installing a catchment system.
The main thing to remember is that you need to use clean, covered collection containers. Any water that hits the ground (or a dirty barrel) can become contaminated.
Also, if you collect rainwater from the roof, it could contain anything from bird poop and insects to asbestos, lead, and copper. Recent studies have shown that “forever chemicals” are omnipresent in the world’s rainwater. So, you probably will want to purify your rainwater before drinking to eliminate what you can.
6. Hose and Sprinkler Systems
You might be surprised to find out how much water remains in your watering hoses and irrigation systems. But beware. Most hoses are manufactured with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that uses lead as a stabilizer. Also, the brass fitting on the ends of the hoses may contain lead.
7. Transpiration
It’s a slow process that doesn’t yield an ample water supply. But in an emergency, every drop counts. You can extract water from plants by placing a clear plastic bag over the branch of a bush or tree growing in a sunny location.
Water will begin to condense on the sides of the bag in as little as an hour. After about five hours, you may collect as much as a half-cup of water.
Note: Take care of what bags you use. Many plastic bags will release toxins into the water. This article explains the process.
8. Solar Stills
A solar still relies on evaporation and condensation to produce distilled water. This article explains the process. However, you’ll need multiple systems are required to produce a large quantity of distilled water. This video shows how much time and work it takes to have a small amount of distilled water.
9. Wells
Digging a well on your property is perhaps the most sustainable way to have an emergency supply of water. How deep you need to dig depends on your location.
Experts tend to agree that a drilled well is a better choice than a dug well. Dug wells usually only reach the top of the water table, meaning they can dry up as the water table fluctuates.
On the other hand, drilled wells reach deeper into the earth and make use of a submersible pump at the bottom to get the water out.
In the Wilderness
Other sources of water can be found in natural settings.
10. Bodies of Water
It’s evident that freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams can be life savers when you need water. Look for fast-flowing water at higher elevations for the cleanest water. And check to make sure the water is away from possible wastewater contamination from humans or livestock.
If you can’t locate water, here are a few signs to look for:
Animal trails
Low-flying birds
Insect activity
11. Snow
In the winter, you can melt snow and ice as another water source. This video shows three methods you can use.
12. Morning Dew
Depending on the time of year and your location, you may be able to harvest the morning dew to quench your thirst. Try tying a bandana or a t-shirt around your ankle and walking through the dewy landscape. You can wring the moisture into a jar or into your mouth. This video shows how easy the process is.
13. Plants
Some plants have a high water content. This article details some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to getting water from plants in a survival situation.
Water for Other Purposes
Although we need to drink water in order to survive, we also rely on water for our gardens and for sanitary purposes. Here are some sources of water you may be able to use for other purposes, reserving fresh water for cooking and drinking.
Pools and spas
Radiators
Water beds
Hot water boilers (part of the home heating system)
How to Purify Water
Although removing all the chemicals from our water may be impossible, the following methods are standard ways to purify water.
Boiling. Filter water through a clean paper towel, coffee filter, or cloth. Then, bring the filtered water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Cover water and allow it to cool before drinking.
Tincture of iodine. Add five drops of tincture of iodine to one quart of clear, strained water (or 10 drops to one quart of cloudy water). Mix well and allow water to stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
Purification tablets. Water purification tablets are available online and in brick-and-mortar stores. They are small, lightweight, and effective.
Bleach. Liquid household bleach that contains 6 percent hypochlorite is suitable for water purification. Do not use scented bleach, and do not use bleach that you purchased more than six months ago. Read the product label for the correct proportions.
Portable water filter. Portable water filters are a good choice for backpacks and bug-out bags.
For more information on water purification, here are some helpful resources.
Ways to Purify Water
Guide to Water Purification
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water
Drinking Water Purification Methods
We never know when our water supply could suddenly be curtailed. Road work and construction can damage water mains. Severe storms or earthquakes can destroy infrastructure. And, as have seen recently in the warfare Russia is waging on Ukraine, public utilities can be on the causality list.
For these and other reasons, the time to plan for water scarcity is now. For example, look for nearby freshwater sources and become accustomed to using purification methods. Another critical measure is to store enough water to last each member of your family for at least three days.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends storing a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for three days for drinking and sanitation—and a two-week supply if possible.
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In November of 2022, a water treatment plant outside Houston lost water pressure due to a power outage. The situation prompted the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue a boil water notice that affected 2.2 million residents.
A train derailment in February 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio, caused grave concerns about chemicals in the local water supply. And more recently, the catastrophic floods in Vermont prompted “do not drink” orders and boil water notices in multiple municipalities.
Meanwhile, although there’s no official count, an estimated 240,000 water main breaks happen every year. These incidents may not make national headlines, but they disrupt the water supply of millions of Americans.
Aging infrastructures combined with more frequent and more severe weather events are playing havoc with our water systems. And chances are increasing that – if you haven’t already — you will face a situation where your local government can no longer provide clean water for a period of days or even weeks.
What can you do if the water coming out of your tap at home is unsafe to drink? Here are ways to purify your water at home.
Boiling
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) puts it in basic terms by stating on its website that it issues a Boil Water Advisory when “your community’s water has, or could have, germs that can make you sick.” The agency’s advice is to use boiled or bottled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food when your area is under this advisory.
Here are the steps for boiling water as a purification method. Bring water to a boil and let it maintain a rolling boil for three minutes. Then cover the pot and let the water cool before drinking. (If you live in a high-altitude area, boil for five minutes.)
Filtration
Water filtration is another method for purifying water. These products and systems generally fall into two basic categories. One type uses a carbon or ceramic filter and the other treats water with a chemical. (We’ll discuss chemicals in the upcoming sections.)
Carbon filters remove contaminants through the process of adsorption. In adsorption, contaminants are attracted to the surface of the activated carbon in much the same way a magnet attracts iron filings.
Activated carbon can remove chlorine, pesticides, chloroform, and some components of gasoline, solvents, and industrial cleaners from water. You can purchase a home carbon filtration system or build one yourself.
Note: The CDC recommends boiling even filtered water during a Boil Water Advisory. That’s because filters may not be able to remove all the impurities.
Distillation
Distillation is a process that uses heat to collect water in its vapor form. In other words, water is left rolling at the boiling point until it becomes a vapor. Then the vapor (or gas) is sent into a condensing unit. After it cools, the vapor is changed back into a purified liquid.
Distillation is effective in removing germs, bacteria, salts, and some heavy metals. However, it is a slow process, and it usually is not cost-effective on a large scale. However, it can be a viable option for purifying small quantities of water. Here’s how to distill water at home.
Chlorination
Chlorine kills germs, parasites, and other disease-causing microorganisms found in groundwater or tap water. You can find tablet and liquid forms of chlorine to treat drinking water, and in an emergency, you can use household liquid bleach that has 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. (Avoid scented or color-safe bleaches or bleach that has additives.)
Add four to five drops of liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. One teaspoon of bleach can disinfect five gallons of water. Mix well and allow the treated water to stand for 30 minutes before using. Treated water should have a slightly chlorinated taste.
Liquid chlorine bleach loses strength over time, so fresh bleach is best for water disinfection. Note: People with thyroid problems should talk to a doctor before drinking chlorinated water.
Iodine
Iodine, available in tablet or liquid form, kills bacteria and viruses in water. However, it can add an unpleasant taste and can be dangerous when taken in high doses.
If other options aren’t available, you can add five drops of 2% tincture of iodine to a quart of water. (If the water is cloudy, add 10 drops of iodine.) Stir and let the water stand for 30 minutes before use.
Water purification tablets
Many outdoor supply retailers carry water purification tablets that contain chlorine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, and other disinfecting agents. Follow directions on the package carefully, as different products have different strengths.
These tablets are typically designed for outdoor emergencies. Extended use can build up chemicals in your body to toxic levels.
Ultraviolet Light
Did you know you can use the sun’s rays to purify water? Treating water with ultraviolet light works best if you filter the water first. However, if you have no other means to clean your water, you can kill some dangerous organisms with the sun’s radiation.
An emergency method involves filling a plastic bottle with water, shaking the bottle vigorously to help activate the oxygen, and then letting it lie horizontally in the sunlight for a minimum of one day. Some studies show that adding lime juice can speed up the process.
For a more permanent solution, you can purchase a UV light system for your home. This video explains how a UV system works.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis is another option for purifying water. This process forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants. This video shows how it works on a large scale, and this video describes reverse osmosis systems for your home.
Note: Although this method is safe and effective, it is expensive, requires maintenance, and wastes more water than it produces.
General tips for home water purification
The cause of your water problem will determine what steps you need to take to purify water. Each situation may be unique. It may range from a water main break that allows contaminants to enter the water supply to a chemical spill that leaches into groundwater.
If your municipal supply of water is deemed unsafe, aim to get as much information as you can. Some of the above methods can be combined. For example, you could filter the water and then boil it for added safety.
If you are using a chemical as a purifying agent, the amount of the chemical you will need will depend on the water quality and temperature. For example, murky or cold water needs a little more disinfectant than warm or clear water.
You can build your own emergency water filter to remove odors and debris. Layer a mix of play sand, gravel, and activated carbon in a bucket that has been drilled with a hole. Here are the instructions from Mother Earth News. And this video shows how to make an easy DIY water filter system.
How much water do we need to survive?
Three to five days is the average time someone can live without water. That range can be dramatically shorter in extreme heat and humidity (such as much of the world is experiencing in 2023). It makes sense to plan ahead as much as possible by ensuring you have at least a three-day water supply for each person and animal in your household.
Estimates are that the average American uses 82 gallons of water per day at home. However, a significant factor in that amount is toilet flushing, followed by bathing. For emergency purposes, the CDC recommends storing a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for three days for drinking and sanitation purposes. Since many emergencies last longer than three days, a two-week supply is optimal.
If you live in an area plagued by severe weather events (and that is getting to be more and more of us), get in the habit of taking some proactive habits. By filling the bathtub, sinks, washing machine, and other large containers with water, you’ll have a limited supply of clean water in case of emergency.
For more information, we found this FAQ sheet about boil water notices to be helpful. And here are some emergency water storage and purification resources you may want to check out.
Make Water Safe During An Emergency fact sheet
Home Water Storage Guide
Emergency Water Guide
Reasons and Benefits of Installing a Home Water Filtration System by Pamela Jose
Basic Guide to Water Wells, Sources, Filtration and Pumps by Paul R. Wonning
Water Purification by James Brooks
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Deep inside the historic bazaar of Kashan, Iran stands Sarā-ye Bakhshi — a dome like an inverted sky, woven from thousands of brick and tile muqarnas.
Photographer: Sadegh Miri - @sadeghmiri10
#archidesiign #architecture #design #interiordesign #travel #photography #asia #kashan #iran
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A ceremonial gate, a gem of architectural perfection, a fortress, a prison and the first image of a rhino in Western Europe - this is Belem Tower in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
The tower was built in the 16th century -the Height of the Portuguese Renaissance - on a basaltic island in the mouth of the Tagus river.
The style is Late Gothic Manueline. Technically, the structure consists of a bastion and a 4-storey 30m tall tower.
Look closer while there and you will see signs of the Order of Christs, zoomorphic motifs, images of beasts and twisted ropes that hint to Portuguese geographical discoveries. Also the architect was influenced by Moorish heritage.
Name | Belem Tower
Place | Lisbon, Portugal
Photo by | @albertoseabra
#castles_and_palaces
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